Asians’ Success Due to Respect for Education
Regarding “Top Graduating Students in the San Gabriel Valley” (Times, June 23), I was very surprised to see that so many of the area valedictorians were of Asian descent.
I myself am a Rosemead High graduate, Class of 1970 (El Monte Union High School District). The RHS Class of ’91 had 71 CSF Sealbearers (honor students), out of which 59 were Asians.
Every student who attended high school had an equal opportunity to excel; some took their studies seriously and they will reap the rewards. Others just coasted. It is not that the Asian students are inherently smarter, they are not!
The big difference was that their parents pushed and exhorted them to excel. Asians traditionally attach a very strong importance on education.
To the parents of young children out there, the message is clear: If you want your children to make it in this strong competitive world, it starts right in the classroom and at home. The schools can teach, but it is your children’s responsibility to learn.
HENRY SAKAIDA
Temple City
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